Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Kansas City, KS
Salary: $110,000–$115,000 annually
Bonus: Up to 6% annual bonus potential
Overtime: Straight-time pay for hours worked over 40 per week

The Opportunity

This role will focus on developing, implementing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing equipment, PLC controls, robotics, and connected manufacturing technologies. The goal is to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability while reducing downtime and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with practical manufacturing experience and enjoys working collaboratively with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and IT teams to solve complex problems and implement innovative automation solutions.

This is an on-site position at a manufacturing facility in Kansas City, KS, reporting to the Automation Manager.

Key Responsibilities

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  Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
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  Develop and implement automation solutions that improve production efficiency, equipment reliability, safety, and product quality.
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  Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including industrial IoT (IIoT), manufacturing data collection, analytics, and connected production systems.
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  Maintain and optimize SCADA systems, industrial networks, controls architecture, and production system interfaces.
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  Support equipment installations, upgrades, commissioning, and startup activities for new and existing production lines.
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  Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Quality, and IT to identify opportunities for process improvement and automation.
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  Collaborate with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and contractors to execute automation and controls projects.
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  Support new product launches by developing automation solutions, validating equipment functionality, and ensuring production readiness.
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  Analyze equipment and manufacturing performance data to identify root causes, reduce downtime, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
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  Provide technical troubleshooting and controls support to maintenance teams and plant personnel.
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  Develop and maintain controls documentation, electrical schematics, automation standards, and programming best practices.
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  Support capital projects through equipment specifications, controls integration, testing, and implementation.
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  Ensure automation systems meet applicable machine safety, safeguarding, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
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  Stay current on emerging automation technologies and recommend solutions that enhance manufacturing performance.

Qualifications

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  Automotive manufacturing experience is required.
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  Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
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  3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing.
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  Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and automated production equipment.
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  Working knowledge of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley controls platforms, SCADA systems, and industrial communication networks.
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  Experience with controls troubleshooting, system integration, commissioning, and process optimization.
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  Background supporting automation projects, equipment installations, and new production launches.
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  Understanding of industrial safety standards, machine safeguarding, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
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  Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
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  Ability to collaborate across departments and communicate technical information effectively.
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  A continuous improvement mindset with a passion for using automation technology to improve manufacturing operations.

Work Environment, Safety & Travel

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  On-site position in a manufacturing and office environment with exposure to industrial automation systems and electrical equipment.
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  Travel requirements of up to 15%.
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  Must comply with all applicable safety procedures, including PPE and LOTO requirements.
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  Valid driver's license required.

Compensation & Benefits Highlights

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  Competitive base salary of $110,000–$115,000.
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  Annual bonus potential of up to 6%.
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  Straight-time pay for hours worked over 40 per week.
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  Opportunity to contribute to advanced automation initiatives and continuous improvement projects within an automotive manufacturing environment.